Solution-Focused Therapy Vs Narrative Therapy

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Introduction The theory that I chose to analyze in this paper is the constructivist approach with a dual use of both the Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) and Narrative Therapy. In my worldview change happens when an individual is motivated to persist and accomplish their goals. In my own personal philosophy, I am optimistic that every student is capable of discovering a solution that best fits in solving their problem and that everything we do in life is interconnected to helping us accomplish our ideal goals. I plan to work with first generation college students after completing the Educational Counseling program at USC and see the Constructivist approach to best accommodate the needs of first generation college student population. I see every …show more content…

The counseling session should be centered on the client and their understanding of their world and/or problems not heavily weighted on the counselor interpretation of the client’s situation. The role of the counselor is to examine a problem needs changing and discover options in overcoming their problem. Bringing about change can help change the client’s narrative on their problem in the future and/or on life in the process. What is unique about constructivism is its ability to examine problems from the client’s point of view is that it allows individuals to create their own reality during counseling appointment. According to Pamelia Brott (2004), therapists act more as facilitators of change than therapeutic leaders, the client is viewed as the agent of change (191). The constructivist perspective reality comes into being through the interpretations of what the world means to the client individually (p.192). As Sharf (2015) explains, “…in the act of knowing, it is the human mind that actively gives meaning and order to that reality to which it is responding…" (p.455). Because of this the constructivist perspective does not provide a single theoretical structure as each counseling session is unique in providing client’s a solution that is applicable to …show more content…

Because of the large case load and lack of time I see the constructivist theory providing a personalized counseling session that will resolve some of the present tense that the student is experiencing with academic and/or career related stresses. SFT was fascinating to learn and felt that I could use SFT in becoming a successful academic counselor at a community college as in higher education. Students know best which solution best fits their problem but need guidance in discovering what options and/or techniques that will lead them to an ideal solution. A narrative approach’s of getting the student to externalize their problems in a narrative format was a great way of getting clients to overcome pending present problems. These therapeutic approaches encourage me to counsel students to find solutions that will help assist a diverse population in resolving their problems in one or more counseling

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